Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Leftover boiled meat (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by finely chopping or grinding the leftover boiled meat. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife for this. Make sure the meat is well-shredded to allow for easier binding with other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Use your hands to mix everything together until well-combined.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Take a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Continue this process until all the mixture is used up, forming uniform-sized meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Cook the Polpette
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This will enhance the flavors and give them a lovely golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them. Make sure each meatball is coated with the sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them on a bed of spaghetti or as a delicious appetizer with toothpicks. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade polpette made from leftover boiled meat!
We hope this guide has inspired you to transform your leftovers into a mouthwatering Italian delight. Give it a try and let us know how your polpette turned out!